Tilman Joseph Fertitta (born June 25, 1957) is an American businessman, entrepreneur and the chairman, CEO and sole owner of Landry's, Inc., one of the nation’s largest restaurant corporations.[2][3] In 2013, Fertitta’s net worth was estimated at $2.4 billion, placing him at No. 235 on the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans;[4] Forbes calls him the “World’s Richest Restaurateur”.[5] Fertitta is also a member of the Board of Regents for the University of Houston System.[6]

His first entrepreneurial experience involved selling and promoting Shaklee vitamins. In the 1980s, Fertitta founded and ran a construction and development business, and developed his first major project, the Key Largo Hotel in Galveston.[10][11]

Fertitta was a partner in the first Landry’s Restaurant, Landry’s Seafood, which opened its doors in the Houston suburb of Katy, Texas, in 1980.[12] A year later, Fertitta helped open Willie G’s Seafood & Steaks, a more upscale restaurant in Houston’s Uptown/Galleria area.[13] In 1986, Fertitta gained controlling interests of both locations, and in 1988, became sole owner of Landry’s Restaurants. In 1993, Fertitta took Landry’s, Inc. Public company, and the company grew quickly, adding concept after concept.[14]

In 2010, Fertitta, who already owned the majority of Landry’s, Inc. stock, purchased all outstanding shares, becoming sole owner again. In 1993, the company was valued at approximately $30 million.[15] By 2011, the company’s value had skyrocketed to a value of more than $1.7 billion.[16] As of 2013, the company, under the leadership of Fertitta, owns and operates more than 500 restaurant, entertainment, gaming and hospitality locations. In total, Landry’s, Inc. employs more than 50,000 people and controls $3.2 billion in assets.[12][17]

Fertitta devotes a significant amount of his time to community service and support of charitable organizations around Houston. Throughout the year, Fertitta and his wife Paige host a wide variety of fundraising events and galas at their home.[22][23] Fertitta is actively involved with the Houston Children’s Charity, serving as Chairman of the Board. Every year, the Fertittas conduct a special fundraiser for the organization, called “A Gathering of Champions”.[24][25] The event is attended by well-known professional athletes from around Houston and across the nation.[26] Guests attend in casual attire.[26]